David Hakala (B.S., Ph.D. Chemistry) was named CEO of SpatiaLight, Inc., a leading developer and manufacturer of ultra high-resolution Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCoS) microdisplays for the high definition television market. Hakala was promoted from his position of Chief Operating Officer, which he's held since September 2002. He is also chairman of the Board of Directors.

During the course of his career, Dr. Hakala has been directly responsible for the manufacturing startup and ramp-up of numerous products, and their associated manufacturing facilities, including several models of HDTV and of HDTV-ready televisions. 

Prior to joining SpatiaLight, from 1994 to 2001, Dr. Hakala served in various senior management positions with Thomson Multimedia, including Vice President of Manufacturing Operations, and most recently as Vice President, Product Development, Americas, in which position he was responsible for the design and development of television and video systems including digital television with integrated HDTV decoders, projection systems and other advanced display systems, including the Thomson RCA L50000 LCoS project. 

From 1988 to 1994, Dr. Hakala held several management positions at Thomson Consumer Electronics including, General Manager, Tube Operations, North American Tube Division and General Manager, CRT Engineering and Development. 

Dr. Hakala began his professional career at RCA in 1976, and during the course of the next 12 years rose to the position of Manager, Manufacturing Process and Pilot Development in the company’s Video Component and Display division.  

Published July 19, 2007